Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo 🥘
If you’re craving rich, deep flavor and a warm, comforting bowl of Southern soul food, look no further than this Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. With smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken thighs, and a bold blend of vegetables and spices simmered to perfection, this gumbo is hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you serve it over fluffy white rice or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop, this is the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table.
Why I Love This Recipe
This gumbo delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. It doesn’t require a traditional roux, which keeps it weeknight-friendly while still capturing all the essence of classic Cajun cooking. It’s the kind of dish that simmers low and slow in one pot and fills your home with mouthwatering aromas.
If you love comforting, bold dinners like this tomato skillet with okra and sausage or Mexican chicken and rice casserole, this gumbo needs to be on your table next.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb andouille sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed chicken broth
- 1 (10 oz) can okra, drained
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken and Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and sausage and cook until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3️⃣ Build the Gumbo
Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, condensed chicken broth, okra, Cajun seasoning, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Return chicken and sausage to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
4️⃣ Simmer
Cover and simmer the gumbo for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors are blended.
5️⃣ Serve
Ladle hot gumbo over cooked white rice or serve with crusty bread. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.
Tips for the Best Gumbo
✔️ Sear the meats for rich, caramelized flavor before simmering.
✔️ Use good-quality sausage—andouille is traditional and brings the smoky spice.
✔️ Customize the heat with cayenne or hot sauce depending on your spice level.
✔️ Let it rest: Like many stews, gumbo tastes even better the next day!
Serving Suggestions
Pair your gumbo with:
- Steamed white rice or easy sheet pan quesadillas
- Cornbread or a crusty baguette
- A simple side salad or coleslaw
- A cold glass of sweet tea or a crisp lager
Hosting a crowd? Add this Dorito casserole to the spread for a bold, crunchy contrast.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store cooled gumbo in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If bold, one-pot comfort food is your style, you’ll love these:
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is a flavor bomb in a bowl—rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that brings the warmth of the bayou into your kitchen, whether you’re serving it for Sunday supper or a chilly weeknight dinner.
Try it once, and it might just become your favorite gumbo too. Let us know how it turned out, and tag your photos so we can see your version of this Southern classic!
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